1989 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. Newest first.
Certain hydraulic brake hoses, p/n 171.611.107b, sold as replacement equipment for 1975-1985 volkswagen (VW) rabbit; 1985-1992 VW golf; and 1980-1992 VW jetta passenger vehicles. possible brake hose rupture could occur which fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 106, "brake hoses."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brake hose rupture could result in loss of braking ability, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Foreign parts distributors will notify owners and replace the brake hoses with compliant brake hoses. the recall began on march 30, 2006. owners may contact foreign parts distributors at 305-885-8646 ext. 11.
An engine preheating tube may not be properly supported due to a missing support bracket, causing the preheating tube to chafe against the right front metal brake line. This can damage the hydraulic line, causing brake fluid leakage and diminished braking in one brake circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Diminished braking can result in increased stoppingdistances and a possible accident.
Remedy
Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.
The end cap connecting the heat exchanger's core to the engine cooling system could rupture and allow hot coolant to escape into the passenger compartment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The coolant escaping into the passenger compartment couldcontact the driver's feet and injure the driver. Also, steam from the heatedliquid will cloud on the window surfaces and impair the driver's vision andcould result in a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Replace the heater core with an improved heater core.
The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
Remedy
Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Prolonged chafing could eventually cause a leaking brakeline resulting in diminished braking in one brake circuit which would increasethe stopping distances and result in an accident.
Remedy
Curve or replace right front brake line.
Owner complaints
28 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
1989 volkswagen jetta. Consumer wants driver side airbag disconnected. Customer states that she would like the drivers airbag disconnected because of seeing severe injuries resulting with the airbag deployment. *kb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I own a 1989 volkswagen jetta, vin wvw pa01g4kw724572. I had a leak of my heater core (per a non-vw mechanic). the nhtsa website reports that there was a recall of 1989 jet's for their heater core. I contacted wes greenway's alexandria volkswagen to have the work done. I did so through an…
I own a 1989 volkswagen jetta, vin wvw pa01g4kw724572. I had a leak of my heater core (per a non-vw mechanic). the nhtsa website reports that there was a recall of 1989 jet's for their heater core. I contacted wes greenway's alexandria volkswagen to have the work done. I did so through an online arrangement with the company, in which I described the problem. when I arrived at the site, mr. Tony huynh, in the service department, told me that there was no recall involving heater cores for 1989 jet's. when I told him that I had seen that there was one, through a website, he checked my vin on his computer and told me there was no "open recall" on my specific car. I went to my office and found the nhtsa notice and called mr. Huynh, so that I could let him know that I found the recall on an official site, not something unofficial as he had suggested when I was at the dealership (at which point I could not recall the web source for my information). he continued to deny there was a recall. in both instances, he suggested that I contact volkswagen of america, and he gave me an 800-number to call. (incidentally, when I was at the VW dealer, mr. Huynh said I should have called for an appointment rather than using the website. I suggested to mr. Huynh that the website should say that people should call if they have anything other than a very simple problem. he said the website instructed people to call if they had complex problems. I went back to the greenway VW website and found no such instruction and have printed out the relevant webpages.) thanks for any assistance with this issue. *la
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
The vehicle experienced the same symptoms as the recall (92v-050000) on the heater core. the dealer refused to honor the recall because the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *nlm the heater core plastic neck cracked and allowed the hot coolant to pour onto the engine compartment. volkswagen stated the recall was completed, but the part appeared to be the original. *scc *jb
- Structure › Body › Door
Door handles fell off. Can't open doors from outside. Dealer contacted.*ak consumer has to use rope to tie the doors shut so his children will be secure. dealer told consumer to lubricate handles per owners manual. the owners manual does not state when or where to lubricate the handles. Discussions with other volkswagen consumers with the same problems outlaws this as an isolated incident. *Jg
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Seat belts › Front
The seat belts do not have waist belts; shoulder belts only, which I understand may be against regulations. the manaufacturer disagrees. *Ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Nhtsa recall# 92 v 050-000 received. appointment made and later on was informed that part was not available. Consumer contacted parts service desk and requested the part. Was informed that part was available and ready for pick up. Seeking nhtsa help in this matter. *ak
- Seat belts › Front
I was told that there was a recall- lap belts were to be installed. *Ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
The heater cord IS leaking anti freeze into & outside the vehicle & the driver / passenger side of the dashboard causing property damage. *yc
- Unknown or other
I do not have specifics on any of the 5 recalls listed but would like information on how to proceed. no safety defect listed. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Carbon monoxide in bloodstream of driver at the time of the accident.
- Vehicle speed control
When temperature IS 5 degrees f or lower (common in minnesota) throttle will stick openly. extremely dangerous at highway speeds, especially when icy and rpmsand approaching redline. not a rare problem in minnesota, where it IS often cold, with 1988 and 1989 jettas (with the digivox…
When temperature IS 5 degrees f or lower (common in minnesota) throttle will stick openly. extremely dangerous at highway speeds, especially when icy and rpmsand approaching redline. not a rare problem in minnesota, where it IS often cold, with 1988 and 1989 jettas (with the digivox system).temporary fix by dierck's repair (byron,mn 507-775-2754). volkswagen USA claims no knowledge but dierck's sees several each time it gets cold. When engine IS cold, warm air from engine IS brought into the throttle housing, causing condensation.when the engine warms, intake switches to outside air, which IS very cold, and causes the water to freeze, leading to throttle sticking. temporary fix consists of disconnecting warm air intake in cold weather and plugging ports.however, this leads to some exhaust coming off the engine and into passenger compartment. Very predictable problem and preventable if volkswagen would provide fix-it kit. dierck's repair IS willing to talk about problem (ask for bard). summer driving IS fine. Takes some time in cold weather to build up enough water in throttle housing. Combine enough condensation over time and the problem will occur (only 1988 and 1989). As a side note-volkswagen dealer looked for problem and could never pin-point problem. Thus I was charged for many useless repairs. dierck's knew what it was over the phone immediately and even asked if it was an 88 or 89 before I told them the year. they are as frustrated as I am that such a simple yet dangerous problem has not been addressed by volkswagen. I would be willing to talk with anyone about the problem. this IS a potentially dangerous situation. I'm just happy that I have a manual transmission and could put the car out of gear and let the engine rev to control my speed on icy roads (throttle has stuck at 6500 rpms at times). *ak
- Seat belts › Front
Consumer complained that vehicle IS without front lap belts. It does have shoulder belts. Does the manufacturer require to update seat belts according to fmvss for this vehicle? Dealer notified. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front
Seat belt 2-point systems fail in crashes.
- Seat belts
Front seat belts do not contain lap belts, potential hazard.
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Three seat belts are broken and the two front ones are splitting and will soon break.
- Seat belts › Front
Vehicle IS not equipped with front lap seat belts. Only a shoulder harness connected to the door IS provided. *ak
- Seat belts
The vehicle has no lap belts and the shoulder belts are attached to the door. If door comes open during crash there would be no support. Dealer can't put any lap belts in the vehicle. *ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Antifreeze leak.
- Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration, causing accident. *Sd
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Took car in for fuel recall. Got car back and they said recall was done and it was not. Please describe. tt
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Took car in for recall work on the heater core. They returned the car saying work was done and it was not. Please describe. tt
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Mfg recall heater core; recall never performed w/invoice documenting another number and procedure. Roy riox, westboro ma documented invoice. Please describe.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
She has had the recall letter for three years and the manufacturer will not respond to her. Please describe. tt
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
After driving vehicle, was parked for 20 min. Fuel line caught fire. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Heater core failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year
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